Search

The Battle of Mons Graupius

Nov 26, 2014 / Comments Off on The Battle of Mons Graupius

The Romans took the battle to the northern clansmen in the Battle of Mons Graupius but exactly where that battle took place is still a mystery

The men of the north, the clansmen, had tried to stay clear of open warfare with the Romans, preferring a guerilla war, similar to that fought between the English troops and Bonny Prince Charlies supporters centuries later. The Romans however had different ideas and took the battle to them, in the Highlands of Scotland. The Battle of Mons Graupius took place in 84 A.D. when the Romans marched on the main food stores of the Caledonians. Now, with their precious food stores under threat, what choice did these men of the north have but to stand and fight.

This was a battle on a massive scale, Julius Agricola, governor of the Roman force in England, mobilized 20,000 Romans. They faced 30,000 Caledonians led by their leader, Calgacus and defeated them easily. It was a decisive and complete defeat by the force of the Roman cavalry. Figures for those that fell were recorded by Agricola´s biographer Tacitus, in which he claimed that 10,000 Caledonians fell for every 360 Romans. A pinch of salt is probably required in interpreting these numbers but no doubt, an awful lot of Caledonians fell during the battle of Mons Graupius.

Where was the Battle of Mons Graupius fought?

It is claimed that after the battle, many Caledonians escaped into the hills. Later experience would say that this in all probability is true. These people knew the uplands, their lives depended on it. The actual site of the battle has never been confirmed but many suggestions as to the site has been made. Find out more about the Battle of Mons Graupius and its possible location.

And Calgacus?

Calgacus is the first Scotsman known to us by his name. The Roman historian Tacitus recorded the speech supposedly made by Calgacus to his troops before the battle, for recorded read ‘made up’, he needed to show them as a strong powerful enemy to show just how great the Roman victory actually was.

“We are the cream of British manhood. Until now we have remained in hiding, not even casting our eyes on the advancing tyranny. Shielded by nature, we are the men of the edge of the world, the last of the free. We will be fighting for our freedom so when the two armies meet let us show the invader what calibre of man Caledonia has kept up her sleeve.”

Wow what a read ahead, in this Tom Holland’s text, if the opening is anything to go by. Prepare to be challenged. Packed with knowledge, and insights, you know from the first few pages this is a MUST to read. The alluring byline The Making Of the Western Mind, puts it firmly on our list. Opening with the stark grim facts and context of Crucifixions and the one established fact about Jesus, being that he was crucified. Cesar, Hercules, the Pharaohs and ample context follow on less than a half dozen pages! Read on you will want to be concentrating when you do, so that you don’t miss the deep knowledge and thinking made accessible here for us all. This deserves a careful read and takes on quite literally an Almighty challenge; to track the impact of Christianity on the way we think and act in the West. Very #intriguing. #intriguinghistory lucky me another Author’s signed copy from @waterstonespetersfield with this and The Anarchy by William Dalrymple I am spoilt for choice. A lot to learn and muse upon as Autumn 🍂 seems to be pausing for a last flurry of leaf 🍁 crystallising ☀️...

Eleanor Of Aquitaine was a hell of a Woman. There are some extraordinary quotes attributed to this powerful woman, Wife to Henry II, Mother to Richard the Lionheart and the infamous King John in the 12th century. This quote so strident and controversial is at the time of the Crusades. Just started reading Dominion by Tom Holland , the Making Of the Western Mind. 🌍 the impact of Christianity on the West is central to this fascinating read. When I heard a wonderful woman mentioning Eleanor it just got me thinking. How very intriguing-history! #plantagenetdynasty "In a world where carpenters get resurrected, everything is possible." ~ Eleanor of Aquitaine It is only just 100 years since Women got the Vote, finally! #democracymatters...

An unabashed shoutout for a rising and irrepressible talent that is @tiffany.francis Dark Skies her 3rd book I believe. Illustrated with her own beautiful illustrations, who could resist a byline like “A Journey into the Wild Night” - exploring the nocturnal landscape, our experience Of the night as it permeates human history art and folklore. I was lucky snapped up a couple of signed copies in @waterstonespetersfield and I hope they have them too in @waterstonesleadenhallmarket . Delightful, enchanting and of course intriguing something for everyone with a heart and soul I think in this one. #intriguinghistory @hampshirehistory @hampshiregardenstrust and thanks for the introduction to this book @pbanham and @helen.banham anyone else for a credit yep #butserhill #hampshire. Good night all....